Not been updated since 2004 but came accross this today:- http://www.central-railway.co.uk
Central Railway is proposing to remove millions of long distance HGVs from UK motorways by building a European standard railway between the North of England and Northern France. Strategically placed terminals will provide easy access from arterial motorways. The railway is designed to run a cost effective lorries-on-trains operation which dovetails with theneeds of logistics and haulage companies. The route runs along or on existing transport corridors, thereby minimising impacts. The project will bring noticeable environmental benefits and the massive inward investment will bring economic benefits to the UK as a whole.